Learn the science to inform change
Help Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific prepare for future natural hazards with this specialised postgraduate degree.
This career-oriented degree has a dual focus on understanding the science behind natural hazards and the policies that shape responses. You’ll also learn how you can influence change.
Postgraduate Natural Hazards Science and Policy combines science, economics, policy, and planning. Our proximity to government will help you build strong skills in analysis and leadership for the natural hazard sector.
Who can study for this qualification
To study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Hazard Science and Policy (PGDipNHSP), you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree with a B+ grade.
What you’ll learn
You’ll deepen your understanding of the natural hazards affecting New Zealand and the South Pacific. You’ll learn about the data and methods used to assess both short and long-term impacts and explore the political and social frameworks involved in natural hazards mitigation.
The PGDipNHSP also covers:
- active earth processes
- concepts of hazards and risk
- contrasting perspectives on hazard and risk in New Zealand
- natural hazard policy and planning
- the importance of Mātauranga Māori for natural hazard research
- Tikanga Māori approaches to natural hazard management.
How you’ll study
You'll study for the 120-point PGDipNHSP by coursework. Studying full time, you’ll complete it in two trimesters (around 10 months).
The PGDipNHSP has two parts.
Part 1
You’ll complete four core courses worth 60 points that cover:
- the fundamental science behind natural hazards
- natural hazards that occur in New Zealand
- perspectives on natural hazards
- policy and planning.
Part 2
You’ll complete four elective courses worth 60 points from a range of subjects:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Environmental Studies
- Earth Science
- Geography
- Government
- Geophysics
- Physical Geography
- Planning
- Science Communication.
Our Natural Hazard Science and Policy qualifications
We offer three postgraduate Natural Hazard Science and Policy qualifications. These are ’staircased’, meaning that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
- The Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy is the most comprehensive option. It includes eight courses and your choice of an internship or research project.
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Hazard Science and Policy has in-depth study over eight courses.
- The Postgraduate Certificate in Natural Hazard Science and Policy is an opportunity for specialised professional development and can be a step towards higher study. It includes four courses.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the PGDipNHSP over a maximum of 2 years.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGDipNHSP degree shall have:
(i) completed an undergraduate degree with a B+ grade average or better in a relevant subject; and
(ii) been accepted by the Programme Director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Science for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipNHSP
2. The course of study for the PGDipNHSP shall consist of courses worth 120 points, comprising:
(i) Active Earth (GEOS 401), Natural Hazards and Risk (GEOS 402), Contemporary Perspectives on Natural Hazards and Risk in Aotearoa (GEOS 403), Natural Hazard Policy and Planning (GEOS 404); and
(ii) 60 further points from the Schedule to the MNHSP, or other courses approved by Programme Director, other than Natural Hazard Science and Policy Practicum (GEOS 560) and Natural Hazard Science and Policy Research Project (GEOS 561)
3. A candidate who has previously completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Hazard Science and Policy or a Postgraduate Certificate in Natural Hazard Science and Policy with a B+ (or better) average, shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the MNHSP.
Future careers
The PGDipNHSP will prepare you for leadership roles in:
- regional and national organisations tasked with geohazards monitoring and natural hazard management
- public and private-sector agencies conducting hazard assessments across a broad suite of natural hazards
- policy development and planning within local, regional, and national government agencies.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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The scholarship is open to full time students enrolled in Mathematics or Physics, who are entering their second or subsequent year or postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka— Victoria University of Wellington.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Study for the Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy
If you do well in your PGDipNHSP, you may go on to study the Master Natural Hazard Science and Policy. You wouldn't need to repeat the coursework you did as part of the Diploma.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.